Bridgwater school celebrates sustainable drainage project launch

The first of four local schools has transformed its grounds with nature-based flood prevention solutions.

Eastover Primary School officially unveiled its new sustainable drainage system (SuDS) on Thursday 26 June, as part of the pioneering Bridgwater Blue Heritage Project, marking the first completed installation in the SuDS for Schools programme. 

The initiative, which will eventually include four local schools at risk from flooding, combines natural water management techniques with educational opportunities and biodiversity enhancement. 

Pupils, teachers and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the completed transformation, which features a rain slide that diverts water from the school roof through a newly created dry riverbed landscape, reducing pressure on local drainage systems during heavy rainfall, and providing some flood resilience.  

The children played a vital role in completing the riverbed, planting over 200 native plants including water mint and marsh marigold throughout the area. This riverbed creates a rich, sensory environment where pupils can connect with nature while learning about water management and climate resilience.  

Beyond providing local flood protection, the system enhances biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other invertebrates, whilst serving as a unique outdoor classroom that integrates directly into the school’s curriculum.  

Councillor Leigh Redman, Deputy Mayor of Bridgwater, who attended the launch, said:  

It really was a privilege to attend the opening.

The space is amazing, and will give the young people an interactive environment to boost their learning while understanding the environment we all live in.

Beverly Alcock, co-headteacher of Eastover Primary School, said:  

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Environment Agency for providing Eastover School with such a fantastic wildlife garden and SuDS area.

It is a truly beautiful space that not only enhances our school grounds but also offers a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect with nature and learn about sustainability in a hands-on way.

We are incredibly grateful for your support and vision in creating this inspiring environment.

The students at Eastover Primary School said: 

On behalf of all the pupils and staff here at Eastover Primary School, we’d like to say a huge thank you to the Environment Agency for their incredible support in helping us create our brand-new wildlife garden.

This special space is already bringing nature closer to us and inspiring us to care for the environment just that little bit more. 

We’ve used the space lots over the last year and we’ve found it a space to come and read quietly, enjoy nature or just somewhere to come and sit with our friends. 

We’re proud that our school is part of the Bridgwater Blue Heritage Project, and we’re so grateful for your help in making our vision a reality. Thank you for helping us grow something truly wonderful for our school!

Following the successful launch at Eastover Primary School, the programme will expand to three additional schools identified as being at risk from flooding: St John and St Francis School, Chilton Trinity and Bridgwater Academy. 

The Bridgwater Blue Heritage Project is led by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) and is funded by the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme. The SuDs for Schools project is funded by Department of Education via the Environment Agency.

Background

• Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are designed to manage water in ways that mimic natural processes, controlling surface water runoff and reducing flood risk while providing benefits for water quality, biodiversity and amenity. 

• Each participating school will receive custom-designed sustainable drainage features alongside dedicated learning resources that integrate with the curriculum, helping pupils understand the importance of natural water management. 

• For more information see the WWT Bridgwater Blue Heritage webpage.